When you think about the Houston Astros’ golden era run, many elite pitchers come to mind. Typically, those would be starters such as Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Lance McCullers Jr., or Gerrit Cole. However, the Astros’ bullpen was a huge reason why Houston won the 2022 World Series. There was one specific pitcher who led that bullpen to historic success. That was closer, Ryan Pressly.
Astros Legendary Closer Announces Retirement
On Saturday, the 37-year-old announced his retirement. It ended up being a legendary career for Pressly, the 2022 World Series champion who came through in countless high-leverage situations for the Astros. It was a well-deserved ring, and Pressly goes out as one of the best postseason relievers in recent history.
Ryan Pressly announces his retirement pic.twitter.com/RtpjWe1uIn
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 17, 2026
His Retirement Letter
Pressly released his retirement letter and thanked the different organizations that signed him throughout his 19-year MLB career. He mentioned the Boston Red Sox taking a chance and originally drafting him in the 11th round of the 2007 MLB Draft. The Astros obviously were a huge part of his life, and the letter made it clear.
“Houston, you’ve got our hearts—it’s our forever home. Thank you,” Pressly wrote. “Being traded to the Houston Astros felt like a homecoming.”
The Dallas, Texas native got to return to his home state back in 2018 and became one of the leaders in that bullpen.
“Hoisting that World Series trophy in 2022 and closing for Team USA in the 2023 WBC, those are things I always dreamed of. I’ll carry that joy forever,” Pressly wrote.
Those were two crowning achievements of his career, and his time with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic earned him the nickname “America’s closer”. He pitched three scoreless appearances and earned three saves, the most of any player in that tournament.
Pressly mentioned what’s next for him in life.
“But I’m fired up for the next chapter with my family, and chasing whatever adventure comes next,” Pressly wrote. It was a 13-year career for the reliever who delivered his best in the biggest moments.
Why Ryan Pressly Will Always be an Astros Legend
When Johnny Cash started to play on the speakers, Houston knew what time it was. There’s no doubt Pressly made his name as the Astros closer. Specifically, he was one of, if not the greatest, postseason reliever in team history. His name is etched among the best moments for the Astros.
Pressly’s 2022 postseason will go down as one of the greatest ever. He was so good that there was consideration for him to be the World Series MVP. Pressly put up a 0.00 ERA in 10 appearances. He threw 11 innings and only gave up four hits while going 6/6 in saves. That also included a .108 AVG allowed and 0.64 WHIP. Closing out Game 5 of the World Series on the road in Philadelphia in a one-run game was as tense as it gets.
Astros legend Ryan Pressly has announced that he is retiring from Major League Baseball pic.twitter.com/ZuyW6SVMvj
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) January 17, 2026
He followed that up in 2023 with another 0.00 ERA in five appearances in 2023 as the Astros made the ALCS. Pressly threw six innings and only gave up two hits.
More on Ryan Pressly’s Numbers
In the run to the World Series in 2021, Pressly was magnificent as well.
He posted a 0.93 ERA in 9.2 innings and only gave up one earned run. While Pressly joined the Astros in 2018, it wasn’t until 2020 that he was officially established as the closer. The 6-foot-2 righty had a 2.45 ERA in just over seven innings in that postseason, where he began his closing opportunities.
In his entire postseason career, Pressly has a 2.78 ERA in 47 games. He threw 45.1 innings and gave up 14 earned runs. The two-time All-Star began his major league career with the Minnesota Twins and spent his first five seasons there. Once Pressly got traded to the Astros in 2018, his career shifted.
His best regular season was in 2021, when Pressly put up a 2.25 ERA in 64 innings. His 2022 season was almost as good, but his numbers went up significantly starting in 2023. The Astros moved on from Pressly after the 2024 season. He was then signed by the Cubs in 2025. It was a struggle for Pressly, who posted a 4.35 ERA in 41.1 innings. Chicago let him go in late July.
Pressly has decided it’s time to hang up his cleats, but he’ll always be a legend in Houston.
Main Photo Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images